Seeing function and structure, together.
A PET/CT scan combines two imaging techniques into a single exam. The PET portion uses a small amount of a radioactive tracer, administered by injection, that allows our medical team to visualize cellular and metabolic activity in your body. The CT portion produces high-resolution anatomical images. Fused together, these images show both the structure of your tissues and how they are functioning — at a level of detail neither technique alone can provide.
Why your physician may have requested a PET/CT
Because changes at the cellular level often precede changes you can see on an anatomical scan, PET/CT is used across multiple specialties.
01
Oncology
To assess the presence, extent, or recurrence of various cancers; to monitor how well a treatment is working; and to guide treatment planning.
02
Neurology
To evaluate cognitive decline, map patterns of brain metabolism, and assist in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative conditions.
03
Cardiology
To evaluate blood flow to the heart and assess the viability of cardiac tissue.
One exam, two views, fused into a single image.
A PET/CT pairs a functional image with an anatomical one. Each step below feeds the next, ending in one fused image that shows both where activity is and what the structure looks like.
Explore by tracer
Choose the scan your physician has ordered.
01
FDG PET/CT
A radioactive form of glucose used to identify regions of high metabolic activity, including most cancers.
02
PSMA PET/CT
Binds to a protein expressed on most prostate cancer cells; used to stage prostate cancer and investigate recurrence.
03
Amyloid PET/CT
Binds to amyloid plaques in the brain to assist evaluation of cognitive impairment and suspected Alzheimer’s disease.
04
DOTATATE PET/CT
Binds to somatostatin receptors on neuroendocrine tumor cells to stage disease and guide targeted therapy.
Explore by scan type
Scans we perform on the PET/CT.
A single acquisition covering the whole body, used for staging, restaging, and surveillance.
Learn more
Assesses myocardial perfusion and viability to guide cardiac management decisions.
Learn more
A calm, guided visit from arrival to scan.
Your time with us is unhurried and supported at every step. Most visits take roughly two to three hours in total, with the scan itself a small, painless part of the day. Exact preparation differs by tracer and is detailed on each tracer’s page.
Step 01
Arrival & check-in
Step 02
Tracer administered via IV
Step 03
Quiet rest in a private uptake room
about 60 minutes
Step 04
Painless scan on a padded table
about 15–25 minutes
Plan for roughly two to three hours in total. Exact preparation differs by tracer and is detailed on each tracer’s page.
What it shows
What a PET/CT can reveal.
The same exam answers several different clinical questions, depending on the tracer your physician orders.
Maps tissue activity, identifying areas of unusually high metabolism such as tumours.
Shows patterns of brain activity that support the evaluation of cognitive and movement disorders.
Examines heart health through blood flow and muscle condition.
Gauges how well a cancer treatment is working by comparing scans taken before and after.
FAQ
PET/CT questions, answered.
What is a PET Scan?
A PET scan is a medical test that helps doctors to see inside the body and detect any problems. It stands for “Positron Emission Tomography”. During a PET scan, a special dye is injected into the body. This dye contains a tiny amount of radiation which is detected by a special camera. This camera takes pictures of the inside of the body and creates a 3D image that doctors can use to see if there are any issues, like cancer or inflammation. The PET scan is a very helpful tool that doctors use to diagnose and treat different health conditions.
What is a PET Scanner?
Our PET/CT is a state-of-the-art scanner. If you’re familiar with a CT, you can also envision a PET scanner: like a CT, just a bit bigger because it’s two machines in one.
How long does a PET scan take?
After injecting the radioactive drug, you have to wait about an hour for the substance to spread throughout your body. The actual recordings on the device take about 30 minutes, and longer for certain questions. In total, you should plan about three hours for a operation PET Scan.
What is a PET scan used for?
A PET imaging is used by doctors to help them see inside the body and find any health problems. It can show if there are any abnormalities or diseases, like cancer or inflammation, that need to be treated. During a PET scan operation, a special dye is injected into the body, and a camera takes pictures of the dye as it moves through the body. Doctors use these pictures to identify areas that are not working properly and develop a treatment plan. PET scans are often used to help diagnose and monitor cancer, as well as other diseases like dementia, heart disease, and infections.
How does a PET scan work?
A PET/CT imaging is a special medical test that combines two types of scans to give doctors a more detailed picture of what’s happening inside the body. The first part of the test is called a PET scan, where a special dye is injected into the body. The dye contains a small amount of radiation that is detected by a camera, creating a 3D image of the body’s internal organs and tissues. The second part of the test is called a CT scan, which uses X-rays to take detailed images of the body. The PET and CT images are then combined to give doctors a clearer picture of any health problems, like cancer, that may be present. This helps doctors to diagnose and treat illnesses more accurately.
What does a PET scan show?
A PET imaging is a special medical test that shows doctors what’s happening inside the body. During a PET scan operation, a special dye is injected into the body that contains a small amount of radiation. This radiation is detected by a camera, which takes pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures show the areas where the dye has been absorbed, which can indicate if there are any health problems, like cancer or inflammation. PET scans can also show how organs are functioning and if they are working properly. Doctors use PET scans to help diagnose and treat different health conditions.
Why rest before PET scan?
It’s important to relax, stay as still as possible, and avoid talking while you wait. Because moving and talking can affect where the radiotracer goes on your body.
Cost
What it costs.
$999
PET/CT, starting from
Prices are published up front, in Canadian dollars, with no hidden fees. A 50% deposit is taken at the time of booking and the balance is due on the day. Credit and debit are accepted, and instant financing is available through PayBright.
Your physician’s referral is all you need to begin. Our team handles preparation and scheduling.
Prefer to talk first? Call +1 (604) 678-9274, email info@initiomedical.ca, or send us a message.
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